Pro Stress 1

The Handbook of Stress and the Brain focuses on the impact of stressful events on the functioning of the central nervous system; how stress affects molecular and cellular processes in the brain, and in turn, how these brain processes determine our perception of and reactivity to, stressful challenges - acutely and in the long-run. Written for a broad scientific audience, the Handbook comprehensively reviews key principles and facts to provide a clear overview of the interdisciplinary field of stress. The work aims to bring together the disciplines of neurobiology, physiology, immunology, psychology and psychiatry, to provide a reference source for both the non-clinical and clinical expert, as well as serving as an introductory text for novices in this field of scientific inquiry. Part 2 treats the complexity of short-term and long-term regulation of stress responsivity, the role of stress in psychiatric disorders as based on both preclinical and clinical evidence, and the current status with regard to new therapeutic strategies targetting stress-related disorders.

The brain is the most complex organ in our body. Indeed, it is perhaps the most complex structure we have ever encountered in nature. Both structurally and functionally, there are many peculiarities that differentiate the brain from all other organs. The brain is our connection to the world around us and by governing nervous system and higher function, any disturbance induces severe neurological and psychiatric disorders that can have a devastating effect on quality of life. Our understanding of the physiology and biochemistry of the brain has improved dramatically in the last two decades. In particular, the critical role of cations, including magnesium, has become evident, even if incompletely understood at a mechanistic level. The exact role and regulation of magnesium, in particular, remains elusive, largely because intracellular levels are so difficult to routinely quantify. Nonetheless, the importance of magnesium to normal central nervous system activity is self-evident given the complicated homeostatic mechanisms that maintain the concentration of this cation within strict limits essential for normal physiology and metabolism. There is also considerable accumulating evidence to suggest alterations to some brain functions in both normal and pathological conditions may be linked to alterations in local magnesium concentration. This book, containing chapters written by some of the foremost experts in the field of magnesium research, brings together the latest in experimental and clinical magnesium research as it relates to the central nervous system. It offers a complete and updated view of magnesiums involvement in central nervous system function and in so doing, brings together two main pillars of contemporary neuroscience research, namely providing an explanation for the molecular mechanisms involved in brain function, and emphasizing the connections between the molecular changes and behavior. It is the untiring efforts of those magnesium researchers who have dedicated their lives to unraveling the mysteries of magnesiums role in biological systems that has inspired the collation of this volume of work.

Stress Scripting presents a unique and tested program of stress management. Its basic idea is that writing thought and action scripts for stress situations can enhance effective coping. Comprehensive, scholarly, and very accessible, it is unlike any other stress management book. With a focus on assertiveness training, coginitive restructuring, stress inoculation training, and relaxation, this book is an extremely versatile tool for therapy, workshops, university instruction, business consultation, and self-help groups. Innovative topics include: the link between assertiveness, defense, and coping; the similarity of problem solving and negotiation; relapse prevention; the phases of stress and stress inoculation training coping philosophies; and cognitive-behavioral relaxation training. Divided into four parts, Stress Scripting is carefully designed to be used either in its entirety, or each chapter separately. Part I presents the basic ideas of stress scripting: defense and coping, assertiveness, thinking and stress, cues, reinforcement, and the phases of stress. It concludes with an option to contract for behavior change. Concentrating on behavior change, Part II introduces assertiveness scripts, relapse prevention, problem solving and negotiation, desensitization, and the coping philosophy. Part III presents an optional cognitive-behavioral relaxation training program. Stress Scripting can be integrated with whatever approach the user prefers. Part IV concludes this volume with an extensive series of individual and group exercises.

Written primarily by individuals with hands-on hospice experience, this crucial volume identifies sources of stress among hospice workers and provides workers and managers with strategies to cope with those stressors. It is an enlightening examination of diverse theoretical perspectives and a much needed investigation on stress and burnout for hospice providers and caregivers. Readers will find concrete suggestions for the alleviation of stress and burnout in their work with the terminally ill, as well as theoretical and research discussions. The authors explore a wide range of subjects and problems faced by nurses, physicians, social workers, caregivers, hospice directors, and volunteers. They also discuss the many factors in hospice care that may foster unfavorable stress reactions and eventual burnout among hospice professionals. Current literature on job stress and burnout among those who care for the terminally ill is examined and a model of stress and burnout specific to hospice caregivers is presented. The authoritative chapters also identify theories of stress and burnout and the distinction between the two. Anyone who deals with chronic and terminal illness should read Stress and Burnout Among Providers Caring for the Terminally Ill and Their Families. Hospice caregivers and volunteers, social works, clergy, and health care professionals who work with cancer, renal dialysis, and heart and stroke patients will appreciate the attention given to a subject that has received little study.

Overcoming Compassion Fatigue is a fresh workbook approach to effectively handle the inherent exhaustion, burnout and stress professionals naturally face when working with those in pain and distress. Written by two practicing clinicians experienced in compassion fatigue and CBT, this manual will equip you with practical tools to manage your work and minimize your risk of personal harm. Expertly weaved with personal experiences, assessment tools, proven interventions, and prevention strategies. You’ll take away: · Self-assessment measures to determine your level of risk · CBT skills to overcome distress · Worksheets and exercises to equip you to make powerful changes · Strategies to change your workplace · Practical, personalized self-care planning tools Reviews: "Martha and John have put together a practical, practitioner-friendly workbook that addresses compassion fatigue with understanding and caring. They offer evidence based clinical tools reflecting behavioral, cognitive as well as mindfulness exercises in addition to assessment strategies that can be used to facilitate resilience. I highly recommend this resource to ensure professional competency." -- Robert J. Berchick, PhD, ABPP, Board Certified in Cognitive Behavioral Psychology, Perelman School of Medicine, Academy of Cognitive Therapy Certified CBT Consultant "This is an excellent book that addresses an important and timely topic for anyone working in the helping profession. It is well written and engaging and provides assessment measures and helpful exercises that are invaluable to the reader. I highly recommend to anyone who is a care provider." -- Frank M. Dattilio, Ph.D., ABPP, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School "Overcoming Compassion Fatigue offers invaluable resources that will benefit all practitioners - rookies and veterans alike. This well-researched workbook is filled with practical self-assessment tools and concrete strategies for detection, intervention and prevention. Integrating CBT techniques provides a unique and very hands-on approach to managing compassion fatigue and related of caregiver." -- Fraçoise Mathieu, author of The Compassion Fatigue Workbook: Creative Tools for Transforming Compassion Fatigue and Vicarious Traumatization

Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide is the first volume to be written on the neuropeptide PACAP. It covers all domains of PACAP from molecular and cellular aspects to physiological activities and promises for new therapeutic strategies. Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide is the twentieth volume published in the Endocrine Updates book series under the Series Editorship of Shlomo Melmed, MD.